Being a Finalist at Intel ISEF

Getting to go to Intel ISEF has been described as an experience of a lifetime. The following information is intended to guide your preparations to successfully display your project and have a successful week.

Intel ISEF 2015 Preliminary Program (pdf): This document provides a brief overview of the week. As you plan your visit, please pay particular attention to the core activities of each day and the deadlines associated with setting up projects.

Attendance

Intel ISEF finalists are expected to attend the full week of the program and are encouraged to attend all Intel ISEF events. Attendance is mandatory at the public exhibition of projects on Thursday and at both award ceremonies. The only excused absences to these mandatory functions are graduation ceremonies, illness or family emergencies. If finalists have a scheduling conflict, they should consult with their Fair Directors immediately.

Project Set-Up : Project Set-Up begins on Sunday, May 12 at 8:00 a.m. for all registered finalists. Requested tables and power sources will already be set up. A Finalist Resource Center will be available that will contain computers with limited software, a copying machine, and other items such as scissors and tape to help in completing your project display. In case your project board is damaged or lost in transit, please plan to bring electronic copies of your board as a back-up.

On Site Abstract Rewrites

Abstract Rewrite Instructions: If you arrive at Intel ISEF and still need to make a change to your abstract you will need to see the SRC to make the changes and get them approved. This process will go on all day Sunday and on Monday morning. You should plan on getting to the SRC room before 10 am Monday morning in order to have your changes approved in time. Please note that these instructions are only for rewrites that were not completed by May 4.

Judging

Judging Overview andJudging Criteria : The Judging Overview page describes the judging schedule and process at Intel ISEF and theJudging Criteria page details the criteria that the judges will be provided to aid in their evaluation of projects.

Security and Safety

It is advisable to attach any expensive project equipment to your project table via cable, heavy wire, or a method that will not impact your project’s operation nor interfere with your project’s adherence to the Display and Safety rules. We also encourage you to make sure that all papers, log books, notebooks, etc are labeled with your name and project id number. If you would like to remove a certain component of your project at the end of the day, there is a procedure that requires you to pick up and complete an Intel ISEF Equipment Removal Permit form at the HUB, get it signed by your Adult-in-Charge, Fair Director, or Accompanying Adult, and bring the form along with the item to be removed to the Security area at the HUB where Security personnel will place a security sticker on the item. The sticker will allow you to exit with the item. There is a distinctive sticker for each Intel ISEF day; therefore, if you must remove an item, you must first follow this procedure EACH DAY.

If you have a laptop presentation as part of your project, it must be available during Project Set up for review by a Display & Safety (D & S) Inspector. Once you have cleared D & S inspection, please ensure that the laptop is locked down or removed as suggested above. Tuesday morning from 9:30 – 11:30 will be the last opportunity to bring laptops or project notebooks and lock them down at your project booth before the judges pre-review the projects on Tuesday afternoon. If you are unable to lock down these items at your booth, you may return them to your project on Wednesday morning.

Intel Corporation, Society for Science & the Public, the GES Companies, or the Los Angeles Convention Center will NOT be responsible for any lost or stolen equipment, paperwork, or materials.

SSP Harassment Policy: Please be aware of this policy and your protection and rights. We encourage you to inform staff of any concerns immediately.

Name Badge

In order to enter the Exhibit Hall floor and all major Intel ISEF functions, you must wear your Intel ISEF name badge.

On-going Display and Safety Inspections

Your project is subject to on-going Display and Safety inspections throughout the Intel ISEF week.

You will need to check your project for additional infractions periodically until Monday at 6:00 p.m. You also must check the list that will be posted Monday evening after 9:30 p.m.

Your project must adhere to all Display and Safety and SRC rules throughout the week. Replacing items that have been removed by the D&S Inspectors or the SRC or altering your project after the Display & Safety Inspection could result in your project failing to qualify for judging, forfeiture of any awards and/or removal of your project from the exhibit hall floor.

School Visitation/Public Exhibition Day

Thursday is School Visitation and Public Exhibition Day at the Intel ISEF. All finalists are required and expected to be at their projects from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on that day. During that school visitation period, meal vouchers will be provided to all finalists and a raffle for prize items will be held.

Project Tear Down

The Intel ISEF project tear-down period is from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Friday of Intel ISEF week.

No projects may be removed prior to the close of the Grand Awards Ceremony, when the Exhibit Hall will be opened for project removal. ALL PROJECTS must be dismantled and removed by 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Any project left after 2:00 p.m. will be thrown away.

Signage/Banner Removal

Tampering with, or removal of, Intel ISEF signage, banners or other posted material is strictly prohibited. “Souvenir” collecting must be limited to items purchased at the gift shop.

Pick Up Your Finalist Medal and Certificate

Each finalist receives a medal and certificate. Once you have registered, please pick them up at the SSP booth in Registration. They will be available until 12:00 noon on Thursdsay of Intel ISEF week.

Questions & Concerns

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Science Education Programs staff at Society for Science & the Public at 202-785-2255; fax number: 202-785-1243 (country code is 001); isef@societyforscience.org